indianstartuptimes | 30 April 2026
India’s startup ecosystem is undergoing a meaningful shift. Founders and investors alike are placing greater emphasis on execution, capital efficiency, and long-term value creation, with attention moving away from the playbook of rapid scale at any cost. In this evolving landscape, Manu Rikhye, Founding Partner at Merak Ventures, brings a perspective shaped by two decades of operating experience and over a decade of early-stage investing.
In this conversation with Indian Startup Times, he reflects on his journey from operator to investor, how the ecosystem has matured, what defines exceptional founders, and where the next wave of opportunities is emerging.